FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than 700 participants ran, walked and ruck marched Sept. 20 for a solemn cause during the 14th annual March for the Fallen.
The March for the Fallen, hosted by the Pennsylvania National Guard, honors and remembers the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. This event brings together Gold Star Families, military personnel, veterans and community members.
Competing participants chose from competing in one of four ruck march categories or a 5K run/walk. The 14-mile and 28-mile ruck marches had subcategories for those who wore 35-pound ruck sacks and those who did not.
During the opening ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s command senior enlisted leader, and Billie Evans, a Gold Star father, expressed their appreciation for the participants, who are helping to keep the memories of the fallen alive.
“When we see that Gold Star pin or that next-of-kin button, we’re reminded of loved ones that are lost and the honor that they brought to this country,” Phillips said. “Events like this bring together Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, families and friends. They strengthen our bonds, they remind us of our shared values.”
Evans said the event is always emotional for him, but it also is very important. His son, Spc. William Evans, was killed in Iraq in 2005.
“To see how many people dedicate a part of their life to walk and the grueling milage that they do, it means to world to me to see that,” Evans said. “It keeps our fallen Soldiers, who didn’t come home, never forgotten and that’s what is important.”
At 7 a.m., the ruck marches kicked off with an artillery salute and a UH-60 Black Hawk flyover, both performed by Soldiers with the 28th Infantry Division. An artillery salute and flyover also signaled the start of the 5K race an hour later.